Esther 3-7

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    14                                                     Passage:    Esther 3-7

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Haman’s Hate Exercised – Prayer Response (Esther 3-4) 1. Haman elevated in honor; Mordecai did not pay honor (3:1-2) 2. Haman enraged with Mordecai’s behavior; learning he was a Jew (3:3-6) 3. Haman before King Xerxes offers to pay 10,000 talents of silver to king for a decree to destroy Jews (3:7-9) 4. King says “keep the money” and do as you please, giving Haman the signet ring. (3:10-11) 5. Haman wrote out decree; had it distributed in the kingdom (3:12-14) 6. City of Susa was bewildered as King and Haman sat down to drink. (3:15) 7. Mordecai learning of decree is distraught wear sackcloth and mourning among Jews (4:1-3) 8. Esther learns of Mordecai distress with request for her to go to king (4:4-8) 9. Mordecai challenges Esther act to save her people (4:9-14) 10. Esther replies asking for fasting and prayer of all the Jews and it was done (4:15-17)

Esther’s Boldness Exercised – Recognition Needed (Esther 5-6) 1. Esther in royal robes goes to inner court and is recognized by king (5:1-2) 2. Xerxes asks what she would like and you can have it Esther’s request “come to a banquet and bring Haman”; (5:3-4) 3. At banquet “what’s your petition” Esther response come banquet tomorrow (5:5-7) 4. Haman is happy to be invited to banquets but distressed with Mordecai (5:8-13) 5. Haman’s wife suggestion: set up pole to impale Mordecai and go to the banquet (5:14) 6. Xerxes can’t sleep and has book of chronicles read reminding him of Mordecai help in exposing assassination plot but no honor given (6:1-3) 7. King requests Haman asking how to honor someone special; suggestion to dress and proclaim him in streets (6:4-9) 8. King commands Haman to do as you have suggested to Mordecai (6:10-12a) 9. Haman’s wife says to him your downfall is started (6:12b-14)

Esther’s Humble Request – Plot Exposed and Punished (Esther 7) 1. Xerxes at second feast asks Esther “What is your petition” (7:1-2) 2. Esther respond to ask for her life and spare my people and tells circumstance (7:3-4) 3. Xerxes as who would do such a thing (7:5) 4. Esther identifies Haman (7:6a) 5. Haman is terrified before king and queen (7:6b) 6. King in rage went to garden; Haman pleads for life with Esther (7:7) 7. King returns from garden sees Haman on couch where Esther was reclining and king angrily calls out and Haman is taken (7:8) 8. Eunuch tells of pole standing by Haman’s house setup for Mordecai (7:9) 9. King tells to impale Haman on it and King’s anger subsides (7:10)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Haman’s Hate Exercised – Prayer Response	Esther 3-4
Esther’s Boldness Engaged – Recognition Needed	Esther 5-6
Esther’s Humble Request – Plot Exposed and Punished	Esther 7

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Haman plots Jewish destruction; Esther identifies herself leading plotter’s demise.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that reliance on God when evil is present is critical; God will direct our path.

Application Questions

When trouble comes how do you respond?

Who do you turn to went in trouble? How do your marshal your resources to assist?

How does hate impact you and your relationships?

Principles to Remember           

God recognizes our faithfulness

God can direct our path

God enables truth

Characteristic of God

Defender of His Own

Theme

Haman’s hate consumed him, causing Mordecai’s distress and Esther’s engagement with the King to save.

 

Esther 1-2

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    13                                                     Passage:    Esther 1-2

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Show of Wealth (Esther 1:1-11) 1. King Xerxes banquet introduction (1-3) a. Wealth on display for 180 days (4) b. King gave banquet lasting 7 days within enclosed garden of palace (5) c. Decorations of garden described of hangings, couches, pavement (6) d. Wine was served without limit (7-8) 2. Queen Vashti gave her own banquet for the women (9) 3. One the seventh day King Xerxes, in high spirits to bring the Queen Vashti to him wearing royal crown to display her beauty to people and nobles (10-11)

Refusal to Participate (Esther 1:12-22) 1. Queen Vashti refused invitation to come; making King Xerxes furious (12) 2. Xerxes consults experts in law and justice regarding matter what must be done (13-15) 3. Judgment of Memukan that Queen Vashti has done wrong to the king and peoples of the provinces and has become known bringing disrespect and discord (16-18) 4. Written decree written in laws of Persia and Media to band Vashti from presence of King and give her position to someone else bringing wives respect of husbands (19-20) 5. King and nobles pleased with advice did was proposed sending dispatches to each province (21-22)

New Queen – Preparation, Person, Providence (Esther 2) 1. Xerxes fury subsided over Vashti and a search is proposed to search for beautiful virgins for king to replace Vashti (1-4) 2. Mordecai raised Esther as his daughter after death of her parents (5-7) 3. Esther was taken to kings palace pleased Hegai who was in charge of harem and won favor; she was given beauty treatments (8-9) 4. Esther national and background remained secret; Mordecai came to courtyard to check on Esther (10-11) 5. Beauty treatments and selection process described (12-14) 6. Esther won favor of everyone and king was attracted to her and selected her queen (15-17) 7. Esther’s banquet was held (18) 8. Esther remained faithful to Mordecai’s instructions to keep secret family and nationality (19-20) 9. Mordecai sitting at the gate hears plot and shares with Esther who reports to king an investigation and punishment to king’s officers (21-23)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Show of Wealth	Esther 1:1-11
Refusal to Participate	Esther 1:12-22
New Queen – Preparation, Person, Providence	Esther 2

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Xerxes banquet demonstrates wealth queen’s rejection brings Esther’s queen selection.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that wealth can disappoint while faithful adherence to godly principles stands out.

Application Questions

What is important to you?  Is it the things you have or the positions you take?

In difficult situations who do you turn to for help?

Mordecai’s care was tangible; how is your care for family meaningful and impactful?

Principles to Remember           

Wealth is more than the things you possess

Strong positions can be the wrong positions

Caring is a heart thing; it shows.

Characteristic of God

Sovereign

Theme

Displays of wealth, stubborn positions can bring disappointment; while generous caring, attentive listening can bring hope.

 

Ezra 9-10

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    12                                                     Passage:    Ezra 9-10

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Holiness Jeopardy – Disgrace and humble prayer (Ezra 9) 1. Leaders come saying people of Israel have not separated themselves the neighboring peoples and detestable practices. (1) 2. They have married them and mingled with them and become unfaithful (2) 3. Ezra hearing became distraught and prayed (3-5) 4. Ezra’s prayer (6-15) a. Ashamed and disgraced because of sins; guilt is great lead to captivity (6-7) b. Gracious Lord has left a remnant giving light, relief and kindness; allowing rebuilding temple and city walls (8-9) c. Truth is we a forsaken commands and built relationships; ignoring Your commands (10-12) d. We are guilty but you have withheld punishment to this remnant (13) e. Would you not destroy us; you are righteous and not worthy to stand before you Lord (14-15)

Israelites join confess declare a Covenant to Separate (Ezra 10:1-11) 1. Large crown of Israelites gathered around Ezra as he prayed and joined him (1) 2. Shekaniah declares unfaithfulness in marrying foreign women let’s make a covenant before God according to God’s commands; we support you to do it.  (2-4) 3. Ezra go and fasts over unfaithfulness of people (5-6) 4. Proclamation goes out exiles to appear in 3 days accordance with decision (7-8) 5. Within the 3 days all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered in Jerusalem distressed by occasion and rain (9) 6. Ezra stands before them saying you have been unfaithful by marrying foreign women adding to Israel’s guilt (10) 7. Ezra tell them to honor God and do His will and separate yourselves from the people around you and your foreign wives (11).

Israelites Investigate, confront, Identify and offer sacrifice (Ezra 10:12-44) 1. Assemble agrees to do as Ezra said (12) 2. But there are many people and it’s rainy season; it will take some time… we have sinned greatly (13) 3. Let the officials act and schedule those who have taken foreign women so that God’s anger is turned away (14) 4. A couple leaders did not agree (15) 5. Ezra select family heads designating them by name to investigate cases (16-17) 6. An accounting was listed of those and pledge to put away wife and a guilt offering was made (18-44)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Holiness Jeopardy – Disgrace and humble prayer	Ezra 9
Israelites join and declare a Covenant to Separate	Ezra 10:1-11
Israelites Investigate, confront, identify and offer sacrifice	Ezra 10:12-44

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Ezra reacts to foreigner marriage unfaithfulness, inventory and separation call

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God wants us to be holy, set apart from the world that can easily impact or faithfulness to Him.

Application Questions

How do you respond once sin is exposed? Are you remorseful and how do you take action?

In what ways are you tempted and act separate yourself from it?

How do you confront sin and act in response?

Principles to Remember           

Sin impacts our relationship with God

Sin exposed requires commitment

Sin resolved is Jesus and our follow-through to trust and obey

Characteristic of God

Revealer of Truth

Theme

Proximity to sin leads to unfaithfulness. Holiness requires that sin must be accounted, acted upon and dealt with and removed.

 

Ezra 7-8

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    11                                                     Passage:    Ezra 7-8

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Head ’em Up - King sends and enables (Ezra 7) 1. Ezra, the lineage (1-5) 2. Ezra, the reputation (6) 3. Ezra’s, Jerusalem return outlined (7-9) 4. Ezra’s devotion, observance, teaching law its commands and decrees (10-11) 5. Decree for Jerusalem return (12-26) a. All Israelites who volunteer may go to Jerusalem (12-14) b. Take gold and silver that has been freely given and freewill offerings (15-16) c. With money given by bulls, rams, lambs, grain and drink offerings to be sacrificed in Jerusalem (17) d. Deliver silver, gold and articles entrusted for worship and anything else needed from royal treasury (18-20) e. Tax free diligence to be from treasures (21-24) f. Ezra given authority to appoint leaders and to teach 6. Ezra’s praise to God for provision and king’s heart and Head’s up Israel’s leaders (27-28)

Move ‘em Out – Families Registered and Levites added (Ezra 8:1-20) 1. Family heads recorded, descendants counted (8:1-14) 2. Ezra assembles and checks for Levites; none found (15) 3. Ezra summons leaders and men of learning telling them to go to Iddo requesting capable men (16-17) 4. Capable men found and temple servants; each were registered by name (18-20)

Dusty Trails – Journey Fasting and Prayer with accounting and praise (Ezra 8:21-36) 1. A Fast proclaimed to humble before Lord with request for safe journey (21) 2. Reason for fasting due to brag and not wanting to ask for protection from him. (22-23) 3. Setting apart 12 priest and separating out silver, gold and articles donated to house of God (24-27) 4. Instructions given to guard responsibility until we account for them in Israel (28-30) 5. The journey (dusty trails) to Jerusalem (31-32) 6. Weighed out gold, silver and articles; all was accounted for in Jerusalem (33-34) 7. Offering to the Lord and delivered orders to king’s satraps and governors (35-36)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Head ’em  Up  - King sends and enables	Ezra 7
Move ‘em Out – Families Registered and Levites added	Ezra 8:1-20
Dusty Trails – Journey Fasting and Prayer with accounting and praise	Ezra 8:21-36

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

King’s directions enable return with precious articles accounted and offerings.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God enables our journey with provisions for our way and is worthy of worship.

Application Questions

What have you been given authority to accomplish?

How have you prepared to journey with God?

How are you being faithful to what God has provided for you?

Principles to Remember           

God provides

God’s family is recognized and counted

Our faithfulness is an offering to God

Characteristic of God

Opens the Way

Theme

Our life journey is with God; He provides and counts us faithful as we travel with Him.

Ezra 3-6

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    10                                                     Passage:    Ezra 3-6

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Altar Built; Praise Rings Out (Ezra 3) 1. Seventh month Joshua and Zerubbabel with associates begin building altar to God (1-2) 2. Altar built despite fear of peoples around them; sacrificing to Lord burnt offerings (3-6) 3. Second month/Second year House of God rebuilding began by paying Tyre and Sidon for cedar logs (7) 4. Zerubbabel and Joshua with priests and Levites and family joined in supervising work on house of God (8-9) 5. Praise rang out with trumpets and cymbals as the foundations were laid, singing “He is good; His love toward Israel endures forever” (10-13)

Opposition Experienced; Support Edict Provided (Ezra 4:1-6:12a) 1. Enemies come asking to help build temple and are rejected (4:1-3) 2. The rejected set out to discourage, bribing officials to discourage (4:4-5) 3. Accusations lodged against Judah and Jerusalem in letter to Artaxerxes (4:6-16) 4. King sends reply indicating history of revolt and rebellion and compelled by force to stop (4:17-24) 5. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to build house of God (5:1-2) 6. Governor challenged authorization to rebuild temple asking for names with letter to king (5:3-10) 7. King responds with letter citing Cyrus’ decree to rebuild God’s house (5:11-16) 8. A search of the royal archives retrieved a copy of decree and contents (5:17-6:5) 9. Governor instructed to stay away from there and don’t interfere. (6:6-7) 10. Governor instructed to enable paying expenses and supplying sacrifices (6:8-10) 11. Anyone who defies edict or acts to destroy temple will be killed and their house destroyed. (6:11-12)

Temple Rebuild Completed; Joyous Worship Results (Ezra 6:12b-22) 1. Darius decree carried out with diligence (6:12b-13) 2. Elders of Jews built and prospered under teach of prophets Haggai and Zechariah completing the rebuilding of temple (6:14-15) 3. People celebrated the dedication of the Temple with joy with offerings, and installing priests in service of God (6:16-18) 4. Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread celebration in joy. (6:19-22)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Altar Built; Praise Rings Out	Ezra 3
Opposition Experienced; Support Edict Provided	Ezra 4-6:12a
Temple Rebuild Completed; Joyous Worship Results	Ezra 6:12b-22

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Ezra describes Altar and Temple rebuilt, opposition, substantiation and celebration.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God works in the tasks He places before us. Joy comes through our faithful service to Him.

Application Questions

Where do you get sidetracked; what changes need to happen?

How have challenges impacted your kingdom service?

How does your worship bring God glory?

Principles to Remember           

Praise recognizes God’s work

Challenges are present

God’s handiwork brings joy.

Characteristic of God

Our Joy

Theme

Priests and Levites rebuild the altar and the temple; opposition hinders, while the king's edict brings completion and joy.

 

 

Ezra 1-2

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    09                                                     Passage:    Ezra 1-2

Content (List of Topics or Events)

King Proclaims and Enables Israel’s Return (Ezra 1) 1. Cyrus proclamation for surviving Israel to return build a temple in Jerusalem (1-4) a. Appointed to build a temple b. Any of Israel may go build temple c. Proclaim “May God be with them” d. Living Survivors are to be provided silver, gold, goods, livestock and valuable gifts along with freewill offerings 2. Family head of Judah, Benjamin, Levites and those with prepared hearts prepared to go with neighbors’ assistance of items specified (5-6) 3. Cyrus brought out temple articles which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away (7) 4. Cyrus brought them by Mithredath, the treasurer and inventoried to Sheshbazzar prince of Judah (8-10) 5. Sheshbazzar brought these from Babylon to Jerusalem (11)

Returning Exiles Identified and Counted (Ezra 2:1-58) 1. People returning from captivity each to their own town in company of leaders (1-2) 2. Israel descendants identified and counted (a census) (2b-58) a. Men of Israel (2b-35) b. The priests (36-39) c. The Levites (40) d. The musicians (41) e. The gatekeepers of temple (42) f. The temple servants (43-54) g. The descendants of the servants of Solomon (55-58)

Lineage verified, settled and offerings (Ezra 2:59-70) 1. Returnees that could not show families descended from Israel (59-63) a. Descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah, Nekoda (60) b. Among the priests; Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai and excluded from priesthood as unclean (61-63) 2. Returning company numbered with slaves, and singers along with horses, mules, camels and donkeys (64-67) 3. Arriving in Jerusalem, families gave freewill offerings toward building temple (68-69) 4. Priest, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers and temple servants with others; Israelites settled in their towns (70)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

King Proclaims and Enables Israel’s Return	Ezra 1
Returning Exiles Identified and counted	Ezra 2:1-58
Lineage Verified, Settled and offerings	Ezra 2:59-70

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Ezra describes proclamation, enablement, count in Israel’s exile Jerusalem return.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God is faithful enabling the His people to do His work.

Application Questions

How has God delivered you from harsh circumstances and provided for you? How have you thanked Him?

In what ways have you counted your blessings?  Your blessing could be found in your descendants.

Where have you settled?  It’s not a place; it’s an attitude.

Principles to Remember           

God can use our leaders for His purposes

Blessings are to be counted

Gratitude comes from the heart

Characteristic of God

Promise Keeper

Theme

Ezra describes Cyrus’ proclamation, enabling decree and the details of Israels return from exile.